Healthy Beach Report

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October 31, 2018WALTON COUNTY WEEKLY BEACHSAMPLING RESULTS~Two Advisories Issued for This Sampling Period~Contact:Crystal SteeleCrystal.Steele@flhealth.gov850-892-8021Walton County – The Florida Department of Health in Walton County (DOH-Walton) conductsregularly scheduled saltwater beach water quality monitoring at seven sites through the HealthyBeaches Monitoring Program. Samples are collected from March through the end of October.The water samples are analyzed for enteric bacteria (enterococci) that normally inhabit theintestinal tract of humans and animals, which may cause human disease, infections, or rashes.The presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage. The purpose of the Healthy BeachesMonitoring Program is to determine whether Florida has significant coastal beach water qualityproblems and whether future beach monitoring efforts are necessary.

Site

Name

Enterococci

Water Quality

SP-1

Miramar Beach

4

Good

SP-3

Dune Allen Beach

20

Good

SP-4

Blue Mountain Beach

272

Poor

SP-5

Grayton Beach

4

Good

SP-7

Holly Street Beach

4

Good

SP-8

Eastern Lake Beach

220

Poor

SP-9

Inlet Beach Access

8

Good

Water quality classifications are based upon United States Environmental Protection Agency’s(EPA’s) recommended criteria and Florida Healthy Beaches Program Categories:Good = 0 - 35 Enterococci CFU per 100 ml of marineModerate = 36 - 70 Enterococci CFU per 100 ml of marine waterPoor = 71 or greater Enterococci CFU per 100 ml of marine waterThe Heathy Advisory for Dune Allen beach access has been lifted.Health Advisories have been issued for Blue Mountain Beach and Eastern Lake Beachaccesses based on the enterococci standard recommended by the EPA. This should beconsidered a potential health risk to the bathing public.If you should have any questions, please contact DOH-Walton at (850) 892-8021 or visit theFlorida Department of Health’s Beach Water Quality websitehttp://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/beach-water-quality/index.htmlAbout the Florida Department of HealthThe department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works toprotect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, countyand community efforts.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about theFlorida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.